Selected Values and Beliefs of Mensa

Abstract

A description (using Mensa membership) of philosophical and value orientations, and qualitative predictions for selected years between 1980 and 2200 was sought. A random sample of 300 Mensans was selected as subjects. The respondents reported on the average an IQ of about 144, being 40 yr. of age, with an income between $25,000 and $40,000 per year, and held a philosophical orientation toward “realism.” This sample of Mensans has high interest and values toward “theoretical issues” and a low interest (and values) for “social” and/or “religious” interests. This realistic, bright group predicted that the future will improve over time. The Mensa group also reported that there will be a brief period of time where the political situation is “right of center,” followed by a drift to “the left,” then returning to a “political right” in the far distant future (2100–2200).